The vibe may be somewhat muted because of failed drug tests involving three of the nation’s most loved and admired sprinters. However, Jamaicans will be glued to their television sets over the next several days as they follow the fortunes of their heroes at the 14th IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia.

Jamaica’s proud record in track athletics means that — even with the absence of Mrs Veronica Campbell Brown, Miss Sherone Simpson and Mr Asafa Powell after adverse analytical findings for banned substances; and the injury to 100m champion Mr Yohan Blake — multiple medals, more particularly gold, are being anticipated.

The expectation is not unrealistic. Mr Usain Bolt remains unmatched in men’s sprinting and the absence of main rival, American Mr Tyson Gay — also because of a failed drug test — will have strengthened his chances in the men’s sprints.

However, Mr Bolt, who false-started in the 100m in Daegu, South Korea, two years ago, knows better than to be complacent. He will be aware that in sport, like in all aspects of life, there is always something that can go wrong. We are confident, however, that Mr Bolt will be fully prepared mentally and physically.

Mrs Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the famed ‘pocket rocket’, will lead the women’s charge for medals in the 100m and 200m events. Very confident and a fabulous competitor under pressure, Mrs Fraser-Pryce, the 100m Olympic champion, will be pushed hard by very talented athletes from around the world. Whatever happens, we know she will have done her very best.

At the Olympics in London last year, Mr Warren Weir, 200m bronze medallist, and Mr Hansle Parchment, 110m hurdles bronze medallist, left us stunned by their performances. We will all be watching with interest to see how they have progressed, even while recognising that Mr Parchment may not be at his best following injury at the National Trials.

Other bright young prospects including Ms Stephanie-Ann McPherson (women’s 400m) and sprinters Messrs Kemar Bailey-Cole and Nickel Ashmeade will be under the microscope.

We would surely be remiss were we to end without special mention of the lion-hearted veteran Mrs Novlene Williams-Mills, who we are reminded, is in her fourth World Championships.

Mrs Williams-Mills, a former bronze medallist over 400 metres, will be among the beacons at these championships. For she has been to the depths of despair, fought and overcome extreme adversity and is back where she belongs, competing with the best.

Diagnosed with breast cancer and forced to do a double mastectomy, Mrs Williams-Mills could easily have given up. Instead she stood tall, refused to allow the dimming of the light and is now in Moscow, an exemplar.

She says she is “competing for breast cancer survivors everywhere”.

Nuff respect to Mrs Novlene Williams-Mills.

To all our athletes in Moscow, the strength and support of the country is with you.